Basketball New Zealand

Tim Hamilton (Photosport)

Commissions are not a new idea, but perhaps one whose time has come as Basketball New Zealand reaches out for the community’s help.

BBNZ internal regulations already allow for the formation of groups to advise on participation and development, technical officials, coaching and high performance.

So, when chief executive Tim Hamilton, who took office only last October, unveiled his plans for the organisation at its AGM in Wellington this month, he wasn’t exactly re-inventing the wheel.

But his intention to bring in commissions signaled he was serious about greater interaction with the basketball community, as well as acknowledging the needs of the game had outgrown the resources available at the national office.

“The function of these commissions is pivotal in re-engaging with the sport in the heartland,” says Hamilton. “The basketball community is made up of many skilled and experienced people, and we need to utilize these strengths to not only sustain the game, but to see it grow and develop.”

Since arriving in Wellington, Hamilton has made a point of visiting as many associations as possible to get a feel for the issues facing basketball. His readiness to listen and take notes has not gone unappreciated, and was a big reason why the annual meeting passed largely without incident despite a $200,000 deficit for 2009.

Basketball New Zealand already has a technical commission that oversees matters relating to game officials and rules. At the AGM, Hamilton proposed introducing commissions to help out with

• Associations
• Competitions (including a tournament review)
• Honours and awards
• Women’s basketball

In fact, he quickly circulated clipboards with forms to gather volunteers on the spot. Plenty of delegates were interested in women’s basketball and associations, not so many honours and awards.

Hamilton set out the following framework for the proposed commissions …

Roles & Responsibilities
• Act as advisory bodies
• Can be delegated direct decision powers by BBNZ board
• Canvas views of constituents before any recommendations put forward
• Consider implications of recommendations in the best interests of the sport
• Balance the needs of the sport – increase participation, provide opportunities, create and maintain effective competitions, succeed at the highest level
• Link to other commissions

Key Delegated Authorities
Associations
• Develop direction for the consistent delivery of programmes across the country
• Develop best-practice models
• Develop volunteer strategy
• Assist developing consistent resources for the develop of officials, coaches and players
• Oversee the capture and manage of FIBA Organiser

Competitions
• Provide advice on the conduct of all premiership and national tournaments, CBL and women’s league
• Ensure competition structure provides appropriate pathways for players, coaches and officials
• Ensure that all competitions are integrated and part of an overall, co-ordinated plan

Honours and Awards
• Ensure the recognition of basketball participants for their contribution to the sport at all levels
• Ensure recognition within the basketball community of excellence in performance at national and international level by players, coaches and officials, and other outstanding contribution to basketball
• Develop national politics, programmes and awards for the recognition of contribution

Women
• To encourage opportunities for more women to participate
• To establish a greater profile
• Promote women to leadership positions within the sport

Reporting
Each commission to submit an annual plan to the BBNZ board, identifying priority issues and report as required to the board.

Membership
• Seven or eight members on each commission, appointed by the board
• Two-year terms, except chairperson
• Chairperson a member of BBNZ board
• BBNZ chief executive ex officio
• BBNZ staff may be require to attend meetings, subject to approval of CEO

Meetings
• At least quarterly
• By teleconference or face to face
• Minimum one combined commissions meeting per year hosted by BBNZ

“The issues identified by each commission will be critical in assisting Basketball New Zealand determine its ongoing strategy,” says Hamilton.

“That engagement between the community and the national office is so important if future success is to be achieved.”

Anyone interested in joining one of the proposed commissions should apply via bbnz@basketball.org.nz.